“ODF is interested in supporting new and emerging ideas, especially those that contribute to systemic change. Most recently, the fund also emphasizes intersectionality, and we always encourage smaller, grassroots nonprofits to apply.”
Community Foundation Boulder County today announced $48K in Open Door Fund (ODF) grants to 11 nonprofits serving Boulder County’s LGBTQ community.
From seniors to youth, our local LGBTQ community faces persistent challenges. For example, LGBTQ older adults are less likely than heterosexual elders to have children to look after them as they age – and they’re more likely to live alone. And, according to the Community Foundation’s TRENDS Report, LGBTQ high schoolers report higher rates of bullying and dating violence, including sexual assault, than their straight peers.
In response, the Open Door Fund, a permanent endowment of the foundation, supports the strengths and needs of the LGBTQ population countywide by building community, by facilitating collaboration and dialogue between our LGBTQ community and the county, and through fundraising and grantmaking.
“While ODF accepts proposals from a variety of organizations, we give preference to organizations that are primarily LGBTQ-focused,” says Grants and Programs Assistant Benjamin Martinez. “ODF is interested in supporting new and emerging ideas, especially those that contribute to systemic change. Most recently, the fund also emphasizes intersectionality, and we always encourage smaller, grassroots nonprofits to apply.”
This year’s Open Door Fund grantees include:
- Aging Services Foundation / Rainbow Elders ($6K)
- Attention Homes, Inc. ($5K)
- Boulder County AIDS Project ($7K)
- Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center ($6,500)
- Dancin’ Divas ($1,500)
- Medicine Horse Program ($4K)
- Out Boulder County ($10K)
- Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence ($1K)
- Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley ($2K)
- Transgender Youth Education and Support (TYES) ($2K)
- Women’s Wilderness ($3K)
“Since 1996, Community Foundation Boulder County’s Open Door Fund has granted more than $448K to support LGBTQ services and programs in Boulder County,” says Sue Anderson, vice-chair of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, and chair of the ODF grant selection committee. “We’re proud of our legacy of ensuring that services to LGBTQ people are available, accessible, and provided with understanding of the unique needs of our LGBTQ family, friends, and neighbors. And we are thankful for this year’s volunteer grantmaking committee which reviewed the 14 proposals received, totaling $82,730.”
In addition to its grantmaking, the Open Door Fund has established a $1M endowment to provide for the continuing needs of this community. Support ODF here.
